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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Sunbathers Beware

I am not shy about admitting that I love being out in the sun. If I could I would sit on the beach all day every day for the rest of my life. But, I live in New Jersey and we have 4 seasons. Anyway, now that my favorite season is ahead of us- SUMMER - it's time to talk about sunscreen. I am a sucker for sitting in the sun, but I am also careful to NEVER BURN! I didn't used to be as religious about using the sunscreen when I was a lifeguard (major fail) probably because I never thought I would get older and get wrinkles.

Well, as much as I love the sun and getting vitamin D, I also want to make sure that I am using a sunscreen that isn't going to be toxic to me. I just came across an article from Natural News about an ingredient in sunscreens that shows up in our urine.

I am completely convinced that when we put something on our skin- be it water, or lotion, or perfume- it is absorbed and travels through our body. It's the same as putting over-processed junk in our mouths. The chemicals/preservatives/additives are digested and travel around doing damage.

(NaturalNews) A recent study has shown that a potent sunscreen ingredient, oxybenzone, may be a cause of endometriosis. This condition occurs when uterine tissue grows in abnormal sites in the abdomen and causes severe pain. Women are usually diagnosed because of severe cramping during their periods. In this study of 600 women, those with the highest levels of a form of oxybenzone in their urine had a 65 percent increased risk of endometriosis. Oxybenzone, like bisphenol-A (BPA), is a chemical that mimics estrogen. And endometriosis growth is fed by estrogen.

This study should be another warning sign that oxybenzone should not be put on the skin. The highest levels of oxybenzone in the urine of women in this study occurred in the months of July and August, proof that the sunscreen ingredient is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Exposure to sunlight promotes good health. The more sun exposure we get, the better our bodies function. Preventing sunburn during the hottest part of the day is a good idea. Sunburn damages the skin. But with all of the evidence that sunlight is beneficial in the prevention of cancer and heart disease, maintaining a strong immune system, and building bones, no one should be using sunscreens on a routine or daily basis.

This study provides further evidence that commercial sunscreens that contain cancer-causing and estrogenic chemicals should never be used. Sunscreens with oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, and PABA are dangerous. The only proven safe sunscreen ingredient is zinc oxide.

About the author:

Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD, has practiced and taught holistic medicine for more than thirty years in the San Francisco Bay area, specializing in child health care. He is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine, author of The Holistic Baby Guide, Child Health Guide and The Vaccine Guide. Visit his website, www.cure-guide.com, to register for a free newsletter with pediatric specialty articles and follow him on Facebook, at Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD.

Here are some non-toxic sunscreens. Click on the images to buy the products on Amazon.

I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach. I love to cook, and I love to eat. Recent events have changed my outlook on both. I am on a mission to find the best foods possible so I have every chance at preventing cancer and other chronic disease later on in life.